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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Zhang H, Wu Y, Wu K, Dai Z. Targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:176. [PMID: 39034318 PMCID: PMC11275440 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01868-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are critical in regulating immune responses and cellular behavior, playing dual roles in both normal physiology and the pathology of diseases such as cancer. These molecules, including interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, chemokines, and growth factors like TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF, can promote or inhibit tumor growth, influence the tumor microenvironment, and impact the efficacy of cancer treatments. Recent advances in targeting these pathways have shown promising therapeutic potential, offering new strategies to modulate the immune system, inhibit tumor progression, and overcome resistance to conventional therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding and therapeutic implications of targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways in cancer. By exploring the roles of these molecules in tumor biology and the immune response, we highlighted the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at modulating these pathways to combat cancer. The review elaborated on the dual nature of cytokines as both promoters and suppressors of tumorigenesis, depending on the context, and discussed the challenges and opportunities this presents for therapeutic intervention. We also examined the latest advancements in targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, receptor inhibitors, fusion proteins, engineered cytokine variants, and their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of combining these targeted therapies with other treatment modalities to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes. Besides, we also focused on the ongoing research and clinical trials that are pivotal in advancing our understanding and application of cytokine- and chemokine-targeted therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoxiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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Herst P, Carson G, Lewthwaite D, Eccles D, Schmidt A, Wilson A, Grasso C, O’Sullivan D, Neuzil J, McConnell M, Berridge M. Residual OXPHOS is required to drive primary and metastatic lung tumours in an orthotopic breast cancer model. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1362786. [PMID: 38751813 PMCID: PMC11094293 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1362786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fast adaptation of glycolytic and mitochondrial energy pathways to changes in the tumour microenvironment is a hallmark of cancer. Purely glycolytic ρ0 tumour cells do not form primary tumours unless they acquire healthy mitochondria from their micro-environment. Here we explored the effects of severely compromised respiration on the metastatic capability of 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells. Methods 4T1 cell lines with different levels of respiratory capacity were generated; the Seahorse extracellular flux analyser was used to evaluate oxygen consumption rates, fluorescent confocal microscopy to assess the number of SYBR gold-stained mitochondrial DNA nucleoids, and the presence of the ATP5B protein in the cytoplasm and fluorescent in situ nuclear hybridization was used to establish ploidy. MinION nanopore RNA sequence analysis was used to compare mitochondrial DNA transcription between cell lines. Orthotopic injection was used to determine the ability of cells to metastasize to the lungs of female Balb/c mice. Results OXPHOS-deficient ATP5B-KO3.1 cells did not generate primary tumours. Severely OXPHOS compromised ρ0D5 cells generated both primary tumours and lung metastases. Cells generated from lung metastasis of both OXPHOS-competent and OXPHOS-compromised cells formed primary tumours but no metastases when re-injected into mice. OXPHOS-compromised cells significantly increased their mtDNA content, but this did not result in increased OXPHOS capacity, which was not due to decreased mtDNA transcription. Gene set enrichment analysis suggests that certain cells derived from lung metastases downregulate their epithelial-to-mesenchymal related pathways. Conclusion In summary, OXPHOS is required for tumorigenesis in this orthotopic mouse breast cancer model but even very low levels of OXPHOS are sufficient to generate both primary tumours and lung metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patries Herst
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Georgia Carson
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Danielle Lewthwaite
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences , Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - David Eccles
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alfonso Schmidt
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Andrew Wilson
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Carole Grasso
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - David O’Sullivan
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague-West, Czechia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Melanie McConnell
- School of Biological Sciences , Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Michael Berridge
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
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Abadi B, Abdesheikhi J, Sedghy F, Mahmoodi M, Fallah H. Silibinin improved the function of T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with U-87 MG cell line. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2024; 14:166-176. [PMID: 38966629 PMCID: PMC11221771 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2023.22935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Objective Silibinin has exhibited antitumor activities. However, there are few reports about the immunomodulatory properties of silibinin on T lymphocyte function in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we determined the effects of silibinin on T cells of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), cultivated alone or with a human cell line of glioblastoma (U-87 MG). Materials and Methods The proliferation of T lymphocytes was assessed by MTT test in the presence of silibinin (15 and 45 µM). Also, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the activity of superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD3), and the levels of two cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor growth beta (TGF-β) were compared between treated and untreated PBMCs alone or co-cultured with U-87 cells. Results According to our results, silibinin raised the TAC levels and SOD3 activity in the PBMCs and in the co-culture condition. Moreover, silibinin-treated PBMCs showed higher IFN-γ levels and lower TGF-β levels. Interestingly, silibinin protected PBMCs against the U-87-induced suppression. Conclusion Altogether, these results proposed the immunomodulatory potential of silibinin on T cells of PBMCs, as well as its partially protective effects on PBMCs against the suppression induced by U-87 MG cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banafshe Abadi
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Brain Cancer Research Core, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Kerman, Iran
- Equal first author
| | - Jahangir Abdesheikhi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Equal first author
| | - Farnaz Sedghy
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Merat Mahmoodi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hossein Fallah
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Perevalova AM, Gulyaeva LF, Pustylnyak VO. Roles of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 in Tumor Progression and Regression: Two Sides of a Coin. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2153. [PMID: 38396830 PMCID: PMC10889282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
IRF1 is a transcription factor well known for its role in IFN signaling. Although IRF1 was initially identified for its involvement in inflammatory processes, there is now evidence that it provides a function in carcinogenesis as well. IRF1 has been shown to affect several important antitumor mechanisms, such as induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, remodeling of tumor immune microenvironment, suppression of telomerase activity, suppression of angiogenesis and others. Nevertheless, the opposite effects of IRF1 on tumor growth have also been demonstrated. In particular, the "immune checkpoint" molecule PD-L1, which is responsible for tumor immune evasion, has IRF1 as a major transcriptional regulator. These and several other properties of IRF1, including its proposed association with response and resistance to immunotherapy and several chemotherapeutic drugs, make it a promising object for further research. Numerous mechanisms of IRF1 regulation in cancer have been identified, including genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms, although their significance for tumor progression remains to be explored. This review will focus on the established tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting functions of IRF1, as well as the molecular mechanisms of IRF1 regulation identified in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M. Perevalova
- Zelman Institute for the Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Street, 1, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.M.P.)
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Street, 2/12, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Lyudmila F. Gulyaeva
- Zelman Institute for the Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Street, 1, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.M.P.)
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Street, 2/12, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Vladimir O. Pustylnyak
- Zelman Institute for the Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Street, 1, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.M.P.)
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Street, 2/12, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
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Yu JL, Li Z, Zhang B, Huang YN, Zhao TY. Case report: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: unveiling a case of recurrent fever and enlarged cervical lymph nodes in a young female patient with a literature review of the immune mechanism. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1279592. [PMID: 38313434 PMCID: PMC10837848 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1279592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory response to viral infection is an important component of the antiviral response, a process that involves the activation and proliferation of CD8+ T, CD4+ T, and dendritic cells; thus, viral infection disrupts the immune homeostasis of the organism, leading to an increased release of inflammatory factors. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an inflammatory self-limited disorder of unknown etiology, and it is generally believed that the pathogenesis of this disease includes two aspects: viral infection and autoimmune response. Various immune cells, such as CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells, as well as the cytokines they induce and secrete, such as interferons, interleukins, and tumor necrosis factors, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of KFD. In this article, we present a case study of a young female patient from China who exhibited typical symptoms of lymph node inflammation and fever. The diagnosis of KFD was confirmed through a lymph node biopsy. She presented with elevated ESR, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Viral markers showed elevated IgG and IgM of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and elevated IgG of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), while changes occurred in the CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell counts. Eventually, the patient achieved disease relief through steroid treatment. Based on these findings, we conducted a comprehensive review of the involvement of viral infection-induced inflammatory response processes and autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Li Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ya-Nan Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tian-Yu Zhao
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Yan H, Jiang A, Huang Y, Zhang J, Yang W, Zhang W, Liu T. Exercise sensitizes PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy as a hypoxia modulator in the tumor microenvironment of melanoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1265914. [PMID: 37876940 PMCID: PMC10590877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1265914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hypoxia is associated with unfavorable prognoses in melanoma patients, and the limited response rates of patients to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade could be attributed to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment induced by hypoxia. Exercise offers numerous benefits in the anti-tumor process and has the potential to alleviate hypoxia; however, the precise mechanisms through which it exerts its anti-tumor effects remain unclear, and the presence of synergistic effects with PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy is yet to be definitively established. Methods We established a B16F10 homograft malignant melanoma model and implemented two distinct exercise treatments (low/moderate-intensity swim) based on the mice's exercise status. The specific function manner of exercise-induced anti-tumor effects was determined through RNA sequencing and analysis of changes in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, moderate-intensity swim that exhibited superior tumor suppression effects was combined with Anti-PD-1 treatment to evaluate its in vivo efficacy in mouse models. Results Exercise intervention yielded a considerable effect in impeding tumor growth and promoting apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing revealed improvements in tumor hypoxia and down-regulation of hypoxia-related pathways. Cellular immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated a notable increase of cytotoxic T cell amount and a decrease of regulatory T cells, indicating an improvement of tumor immune microenvironment. In comparison to Anti-PD-1 monotherapy, tumor suppressive efficacy of exercise combination therapy was found to be enhanced with improvements in both the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and T cell infiltration. Conclusion Exercise has the potential to function as a hypoxia modulator improving the tumor immune microenvironment, resulting in the promotion of anti-tumor efficacy and the facilitation of biologically safe sensitization of PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Yan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Physical Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yinong Huang
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Center for Physical Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Military Physical Education Teaching and Research Section of Air Force Medical Service Training Base, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tianya Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Hesari M, Attar Z, Soltani-Shirazi S, Keshavarzian O, Taheri R, Tabrizi R, Fouladseresht H. The Therapeutic Values of IL-7/IL-7R and the Recombinant Derivatives in Glioma: A Narrative Review. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:319-334. [PMID: 37566474 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is essential for maintaining the immune system's defense functions by regulating the development and homeostasis of lymphocytes. Findings have shown the high efficacy of IL-7/IL-7 receptor (IL-7R)-based immunotherapy on various malignancies, with confirmation in both animal models and humans. In recent years, the progression-free survival and overall survival of patients suffering from gliomas significantly increased by introducing C7R-expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and long-acting IL-7 agonists such as NT-I7 (rhIL-7-hyFc, Efineptakin alfa). However, the effect of IL-7-based immunotherapies on the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy (when used simultaneously with chemotherapy agents) is still ambiguous and requires further studies. This article first reviews the pathophysiological roles of IL-7/IL-7R in tumors, focusing on gliomas. Subsequently, it discusses the therapeutic values of IL-7/IL-7R and the recombinant derivatives in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeinab Attar
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shakiba Soltani-Shirazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Reza Taheri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Reza Tabrizi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Hamed Fouladseresht
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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